Column having at least one photovoltaic element, and use of a photovoltaic element on a column

Abstract

A column with at least one photovoltaic element for converting radiation energy is disclosed. The at least one photovoltaic element converts radiation energy of light, such as sunlight, into electrical energy. The at least one photovoltaic element is arranged on the column, and at least one photovoltaic element is a flexible photovoltaic element.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for converting radiation energy of light into electrical energy, the device comprising:
 a free-standing column supporting a wind turbine, the column being configured to float on water or being firmly installed to the ground; and 
 at least one photovoltaic element disposed on the column, wherein the at least one photovoltaic element is a flexible photovoltaic element having a positive temperature coefficient, and 
 wherein the at least one flexible photovoltaic element is attached to the column by an integral adhesive bond. 
 
     
     
       2. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one flexible photovoltaic element is arranged transversely and/or longitudinally relative to the longest extent of the column. 
     
     
       3. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the column has at least two rows of flexible photovoltaic elements, wherein the at least two rows of flexible photovoltaic elements are arranged transversely and/or longitudinally relative to the longest extent of the column, and wherein a row has at least two flexible photovoltaic elements. 
     
     
       4. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the column has a conical shape, wherein a diameter of the column decreases at least partially from a bottom of the column to a top of the column. 
     
     
       5. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic element is arranged in a form-fitting manner on the column. 
     
     
       6. A wind turbine structure for converting a flow energy of wind into electrical energy with the device of  claim 1 , wherein the wind turbine structure includes the column and a turbine portion with rotor blades, wherein the turbine portion is arranged at one end of the column, wherein a generator is drivable by means of the turbine portion, and wherein the at least one flexible photovoltaic element is arranged on the column. 
     
     
       7. The wind turbine structure as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the at least one photovoltaic element is at least regionally arranged transversely around a longitudinal axis of the column, and wherein the at least one photovoltaic element is adhesively bonded to a surface of the column. 
     
     
       8. The wind turbine structure as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the wind turbine structure has a multiplicity of flexible photovoltaic elements, wherein a first interconnection of flexible photovoltaic elements attached to a surface of the column in a first compass direction is separated from a second interconnection of flexible photovoltaic elements attached to the surface of the column in a second compass direction, and wherein the first interconnection and the second interconnection are each operated in an electrical working region. 
     
     
       9. A method for converting radiation energy of light into electrical energy, the method comprising:
 providing at least one flexible photovoltaic element disposed on a free-standing column supporting a wind turbine, wherein the column is arranged to float on water or arranged firmly installed to the ground, and wherein the at least one photovoltaic element is a flexible photovoltaic element having a positive temperature coefficient; and 
 attaching the flexible photovoltaic element to the column by an integral adhesive bond. 
 
     
     
       10. The method for converting radiation energy of light into electrical energy as claimed in  claim 9 , the method further comprising:
 providing a wind turbine structure that includes a turbine portion with rotor blades; 
 arranging the turbine portion at one end of the column; and 
 driving a generator with the turbine portion. 
 
     
     
       11. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic element is configured for attachment on a pre-existing surface of the column without addition of surfaces to the column. 
     
     
       12. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic element is configured for attachment to the column without a frame or framework.